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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Smith

Ange Postecoglou pictured at Lord's ahead of showdown Tottenham transfer talks

Ange Postecoglou has been pictured at Lord's Cricket Ground watching England and Australia battle it out for the Ashes, ahead of showdown Tottenham transfer talks with Harry Kane.

The former Celtic boss officially takes over as Spurs boss tomorrow and he has already begun to put his own stamp on the North London club.

James Maddison completed a £40million transfer to Spurs from Leicester on Wednesday, agreeing a five-year deal.

And after making the switch, he confirmed that Postecoglou had a major say in his transfer.

England international Maddison has gained plenty of admirers since joining Leicester in 2018 and Newcastle were among the clubs interested in his signature this summer, but it was a promise from new Tottenham manager Postecoglou which left a mark on the 26-year-old.

“I’m absolutely thrilled,” Maddison said in his first interview with club media.

“I feel I have a good understanding of Tottenham and now I’m a part of it, have this lovely white shirt on, and it feels brilliant. I am ready to go.

“Being a Spurs player now is something I’m very excited about. You come here and get a feel for the club, for the people.

“Speaking to the manager is very important. To have a decent chat with him and get his thoughts on how he sees Spurs going this season.

“He said, ‘whether you come or not, you’ll see a completely different Spurs team under me’, and it kind of stuck with me that he said that. It made me think that is the self belief I have in myself.

“I spoke to Daniel (Levy) as well and they both spoke very highly of everything about the club, about me and things like that are so important. Building a good relationship with him, with Daniel, speaking to other players.

“Obviously I know a lot of the lads anyway and have played against them for many years. Myself, my agent, my family, we’re all really happy with the decision and I can’t wait to get going.”

Postecoglou's next task will be to have sit down discussions with club captain Harry Kane who has been linked with a huge money move away from London.

Manchester United, Real Madrid and most recently Bayern Munich have all been linked with the striker, but it remains to be seen whether he will opt for a move.

Postecoglou is determined to keep Kane as a spearhead to his Spurs attack and chairman Daniel Levy also wants to do all he can to keep the Englishman at the club.

Kane is not due back at the club until July 12 and thereafter Postecoglou will sit down with the striker to gauge his plans for the future.

The Aussie manager looked relaxed today as he took in the cricket action, but that might have been because of the performance of his country.

England gave control of the second Ashes Test to the Australia with a host of unforced batting errors at Lord’s, handing over a big first-innings lead of 91 on day three.

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